Purple haze emitted from Aegis, and the roots once again appeared, their ghastly appearance unlike any other root.
“That root,” General Kur murmured. “No, it can’t be.”
Temin crashed into the place Aegis was—the arena was destroyed as a result!
From the shadows within the dust cloud, Aegis appeared.
“Sneaky little,” Temin darted at Aegis yet again, however, each swing seemed to phase right through Aegis. Seeing the purple haze enveloping the field, Temin stated, “What is this trickery?!”
“What type of ability does the ninth-ranked elite have?” Hanabi asked.
“Temin merged with the Vampiric Root. It comes from a plant known as Vampires Woo. The plant preys on small rodents that walk into its mouth, where it drains them dry.”
“Yeah, that checks up,” Alan said, looking into his book.
“Watch out!” Rai shouted, fully invested in his friend’s safety. “Idiot, what the hell were you thinking…”
Aegis had avoided the attack once again, however, bit by bit he seemed to be pushed further towards the coliseum walls.
“Nowhere left to run,” Temin said.
“You’ve activated your powers, and yet you’ve not used them,” Aegis said. “Why is that?”
“I simply don’t need them for filth like you!” Temin said, charging Aegis.
Aegis, a smile spreading across his face, whispered, “Weeping Willows.” All the purple hazed sucked into the point where Aegis was, bursting into a giant cloud, and expanding into the entirety of the coliseum, obscuring everyone, even the emperor’s view.
“Is everyone okay?” Rai said.
“Yeah, but I can’t see a thing,” Hanabi’s voice resonated nearby.
“It’s cold,” Yuta said, holding onto Plu.
“Where you at,” Rai said, feeling around, before grabbing something squishy. “What’s this?”
“Rai!” Hanabi shouted, swinging her arm.
“Ouch!” Alan shouted, taking an unexpected slap to the face.
“I’m so sorry!” Hanabi gasped.
After finding Yuta, Rai said, “There you go,” placing the coat around him.
“Stay behind me,” General Kur stated to the emperor. There was a strange presence coming from within the purple haze obscuring everyone’s view.
A wicked laughter—or, rather, a screech; the two could hardly be separated from the other.
“What was that?” Rai muttered.
Looking at her hand, Hanabi said, “The haze, it’s disappearing.”
As the haze dispersed, Temin was seen on the floor unconscious, a large crater beneath him, with Aegis’s hand on his throat.
“What happened?!” someone said in the crowd.
“Is he dead?”
“He’s not dead, but he won’t be waking up anytime soon,” Aegis said.
“Just what was that power?” Tanabe said, upon looking at his grandpa, for the first time in a long time, that he witnessed a look of shock in his eyes.
“Aegis you crazy bastard! You did it!” Rai said, jumping with joy.
“I- It can’t be…” Mr. Briggs said, clearly in disbelief.
Gael looked furious. Standing, Gael said, “You’re an elite now. Do what you will with it but keep out of my way,” he stated, leaving the coliseum.
“By now you’ve probably understood the root I’ve merged with,” Aegis said.
“How is it possible?” General Kur said. “A four-star root has never been discovered, let alone obtained.”
“It’s true, I possess the Phantom Root. It was forced upon me by my father, but it’s not what I would have wanted for myself.”
“Just who is your father?” Emperor Adonis asked.
Aegis, remembering the hologram of the man displayed at the pillar within Justice Plaza, said, “Bavagale Vanguard.”
The entire coliseum gasped.
“The son of the Reaper…”
“What would the son of the most infamous criminal in all the lands of Asceria, be doing here, aiming to be an elite of all things? I was under the impression your father was bent on the destruction of the empire and its surrounding kingdoms,” Emperor Adonis said.
“He’s desires are not my own. I only wish to supply for my little brother. In the attempt to escape, I came across the phantom root, but not without a cost…”
“The vanguards murdered my brother!” someone shouted, throwing their shoe at Aegis. Many others began to throw things at him as well.
“Hey! Stop it!” Yuta said, tugging at a man’s arm who was trying to throw an apple at Aegis.
“Get off,” the man shrugged Yuta away.
Firmly gripping the man’s forearm, Rai squeezed it, saying, “That’s my friend in there, and his big brother, now get lost,” Rai said, releasing the man who quickly left while massaging his wrist.
“That’s enough,” Emperor Adonis’s voice echoed throughout.
Adonis gave a nod to General Kur, who shouted, “Enough!”
Everyone was silenced immediately.
“People of the Empire, heed my words. Let us not cast judgment upon this newly crowned protector. Remember, the scales of justice weigh not only the actions of the accused but also the intentions of the accuser. As we sow seeds of condemnation, so too shall we reap its bitter harvest. Instead, let compassion guide our hearts, for our strength comes from our unity.” Looking at Aegis, the Emperor said, “It is I who should be serving you, young man. All of u! Without the elites, we would have nothing.” He glanced over the people present. “Have the Illuminus Elite not safeguarded you from the Minus beyond these walls. Well, look before you. Your Illuminus Elite, ranked ninth, Aegis Vanguard!”
The large crowd's gazes slowly turned from hatred to admiration, as they cheered proudly for Aegis.
The man earlier, whose brother had been killed, instead was crying into his friend’s shoulder.
“Hey man, it’s okay. Leave that hate behind, it doesn’t do a single thing for you,” his friend said.
“That turned around rather fast,” Alan said.
“Whoever wants to become great must at times lower himself to be like that of a servant. Leaders realize that serving others is the only way to lead with a pure heart, free of pride and arrogance,” Mr. Briggs said. “But with that, I must be going. Do give my best regards to everyone. And Rai…Will I be seeing you in class, or am I expecting another unexcused absence?” Mr. Briggs asked.
“I thought you were busy on missions during class?” Hanabi said.
“Aha, is that what I said?” Rai answered nervously as Hanabi tapped her foot, hands on hips.
“Liar,” Hanabi said.
Aegis, smiling, looked up at his little brother and everyone alongside him. He stuck his hand out, revealing a thumbs up.
That night, everyone gathered at Grace’s Cafe, Lumi Lumi. It was past closing and she once again kept it open late to celebrate the day’s victories.
“To Aegis and Lily!” everyone at the table cheered.
“Lily! The way you blasted everyone off the stage, and that final punch!” Alan said. “Then Aegis here! I still can’t believe you went straight to rank 9th from apprentice, a jump like that hasn’t been seen since Yukio!”
“Just ask for the autograph,” Rai said.
“Please, would you!?” Alan said, holding out a book. In it, the autographs of just about every elite.
“Whoa, you even got Gael to sign it, how’d you manage that?” Grace said, leaning in to see. Gael’s harsh personality proceeded himself.
“Aha…” Alan remembered the many hours being Gael’s personal lackey for a day to get the signature.
“What did it cost you?” Rai snickered.
“Everything…” Alan stated, tears streaming down his face.
“Technically Aegis isn't an elite just yet,” Tanabe said.
“Huh?” Lily said.
“To officially be considered an elite and have your name potentially etched in the hall of heroes, you still need to get knighted. It’s a ceremony held sometime after your first day as an elite,” Tanabe said.
“What’s the hall of heroes?” Eiji asked.
“Not sure, never seen the place,” Rai said.
“Neither have I,” Tanabe said. “You’re only shown the place upon retirement, but not every elite makes it there. Only the greatest of heroes get selected.”
“Not even your grandfather has seen it?” Hanabi asked Tanabe.
“No, he could, but I can’t imagine my grandfather retiring anytime soon…”
“Isn’t he one of the Nephilim?” Grace asked.
“Mhm,” Tanabe confirmed.
“Nephilim?” Aegis said, strangely he had never heard of them.
“One sec, I got this,” Alan said flipping through some pages. “Nephilim. A bloodline descended from the first people. Those of the Nephilim, have garnered the blessings of the World Tree, accessing the ancient roots that lay at the very core of our world.” Flipping the page, “That’s all I’ve got.”
“My grandfathers got much more than that. His strength resembles that of Nefarian of Solomon descent, not to mention his durability. All qualities of the Nephilim line, of course,” Tanabe said.
“I guess that’s why he’s the general,” Rai stated.
“Does that make you a Nephilim?” Lily asked Tanabe.
“It doesn’t,” Tanabe said, shaking his head. “It’s similar to how only a select few people with AB- blood unlock the flux force within them to become Abminus, however, the Nephilim blood-line is much rarer.”
“Alright, orders up!” Eiji said, swinging by in a waiter outfit.
“Still all geared up,” Lily said to Eiji.
“Well, I happened to have just gotten off my other serving job, and thought, hey, this is a perfect time to polish my skills.”
Since Eiji couldn’t make the apprenticeship, he decided to find work around the empire. His first job, a server.
Walking across the table in a serving outfit similar to Eiji, Plu. It carried a mini tray with a little shot glass on it.
“Sniffing it,” Lily said. “Is this Ti?”
“It’s your victory shot,” Grace said with a wink. “I figured you didn’t drink,” she said to Aegis.
“Thank you,” Aegis said.
“Downing the shot,” Lily looked at Plu, patting it on the head, “Thanks, little buddy.”
“Plu,” it said, twirling in a circle before, falling on its belly. Everyone laughed, now receiving their orders.
“What’s this?” Eiji asked. “It smells,” sniffing, “AMAZING!”
“It’s a Lumi Lumi, the cookie I told you about, remember?” Grace said.
“Can I?” Eiji asked, eyes full of innocence.
“That’s why it’s there,” Grace chuckled.
Sinking his teeth into the cookie, “OH MY.” Once again Eiji was on the floor, similar to the last time when he was drunk. “What is real life,” Eiji said. “Propping his head back up, he scoured the table for another cookie, quickly reaching for the next one.
“Nuh-uh,” Lily said slapping his hand. “You’ve had yours.”
Eiji, pouting, said, “Bu- But. I just want one little…” he reached for another, and yet again, Lily slapped his hand.
“No.”
Suddenly, the door of the café swung open.
Standing outside, a young male—practically shirtless. He had a thick fur coat that hugged his shoulders mostly, revealing tattoos that wrapped his stomach, disappearing towards his center.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Which one of you is Lily?” he asked, his tone coming off a bit harsh.
“Whose asking,” Eiji said, he couldn’t help but be alarmed by the handsome man’s perfect physique.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t see you on the guest list,” Rai said, standing out of his chair.
“That would be me?” Lily said, raising her hand.
“I’m sorry sir, we’re closed,” Grace stated. “This is a private gathering.”
“I understand, please forgive my intrusion. I only wish to introduce myself. My name is Haruki. I am Alderai’s other apprentice,” he said.
“Haruki?” Alan said.
“Shouldn’t you guys already be acquainted?” Hanabi asked.
“Nope,” Rai said, sitting back down and folding his arms behind his head. “The entire apprenticeship must’ve been flipped upside down because apart from a few names, I don’t recognize any others on the list of apprentices.”
“A lot of people dropped out or simply ran out of their grace period to become an elite, since your capture and time away,” Tanabe said. “Even I’m not so sure as to who the new apprentices are.”
“Yeah, it was all over the news months ago—a rush of new talents arrived nearly within the same year, many replacing the past apprentices,” Grace said. “The whole empire’s buzzing about the placement exam now that the examination is over.”
“Is that all you’ve come for?” Lily said.
“That, and to let you know about tomorrow, should you not be informed already,” Haruki said, gazing at her friends.
“You’re referring to the gathering of the apprentices?” Lily said. “Yeah, Rai and Alan went ahead and informed me of it already.”
“It seems you have reliable friends then,” Haruki said. “A word of caution. In the placement exam, even those under the same elite may be pitted against each other. I intend to rise to an elite at all costs, as should you.”
Standing, Lily slammed her fist into the palm of her other hand, saying, “Don’t worry, I am.”
Smiling, Haruki nodded to everyone before leaving. As the night continued, somewhere in the corner of the room, Eiji was discussing with Rai.
“Did you see the abs on that guy,” Eiji whispered, leaning on Rai. “And they’ll be in the same hall, all the time… It's helpless now,” Eiji cried, downing another cup of Ti. “Hiccup.”
“What’s up with Eiji?” Hanabi asked Lily.
“Not sure,” Lily said, curious as to what they could be talking about.
Aegis walked over to Rai. “I’ll be heading back,” he stated. “I’ve been assigned my first mission, early tomorrow.”
“Stay safe out there,” Rai said, shaking Aegis’s hand.
“Right this way,” Grace said, bringing Yuta who had just been woken from his slumber.
“Come Yuta, it’s time to go.”
“Aegis, where you going?” Lily asked.
“Kingdom of Keltzer.” The elites have living situations based on rankings. “My estate is there.”
“I have to get going too,” Tanabe said. “Training in the morning.”
“Judging by the looks of it, I’d say Alan’s about ready to call it quits too,” Hanabi said, causing many to chuckle. Alan was passed out on the floor, hugging a stool with Plu within it.
As the night ended, everyone said their goodbyes outside the café.
“Eiji, where will you be staying?” Hanabi asked Eiji.
“I’m crashing at Rai’s until I can afford my very own spot,” Eiji said.
“Lily, you good?” Rai asked.
“Yeah, I’ve already got the keys to my very own place,” she said with a bright smile, jingling her keys.
“That’s great. See you tomorrow then,” Rai said, waving to Hanabi and Lily.
“Your own place?” Eiji muttered to himself. “Hey Rai, I was thinking-”
“Come on lover boy,” Rai said, dragging Eiji away.
Lily stood before the door of her new home, a mixture of excitement and disbelief. She finally had a place to call her own, far away from the noisy tavern she had grown accustomed to. The door was carved from the large base of a tree. In the Kingdom of Celestria, all housing was built from super-sized trees they hallowed out. This kingdom held a lot of similarities to the Hidden Village of Kalumi, being that nature played a huge role in everyday life. The key weighed heavily in her hand as she inserted it into the lock, the click of the mechanism sounding as she turned it. Pushing the door open, her eyes widened at the sight before her. The place was more than she could have ever imagined. She flipped the lights on. Their rays cast a warm golden glow across the polished wooden floors. The walls were painted a soft cream color; artwork decorated the walls—like stepping into a dream... A rush of emotion welled up inside Lily as she took in her surroundings. This, this beautiful space was hers?! A tear fell from her eye. From serving drinks at her foster parents' bar to embarking on a journey with the Kalumi Nefarians, all the way to participating in the exam—and winning of all things! Lily, spun in a circle, before beginning to explore her new home. Downstairs, she discovered a spacious living area with a comfortable sofa and a kitchen stocked with all the essentials. The scent of cinnamon sticks lingered in the air, inviting her to relax and unwind as she sank onto the sofa. A place where she could truly be herself without fear or judgment. Propping her head up, she looked around, upon seeing the staircase, she made her way up the staircase, her footsteps light against the carpeted steps. Upstairs, she found a cozy bedroom with a large, comfortable-looking bed. She ran and jumped in it, snuggling her face into the plush pillows and soft blankets. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Thank you, Mother.”
***
The sound of pebbles tapping against Lily’s bedroom window slowly awoke her. “What’s with the noise?” she said, stretching. Opening the window a small pebble tapped her forehead. “Hey,” she said, looking down at Rai and Plu.
“Wake up you idiot! We’re gonna be late!” Rai shouted.
Lily’s eyes widened. “Apprentice gathering!” She darted, downstairs, bursting through the front door.
“Let’s go!” Rai said, waving her over to a carriage.
“Plu,” Plu said, standing beside Rai, waving happily at her.
Racing to the carriage, upon seeing her reflection in a neighboring home's window – hair resembling a tumbleweed – Lily shouted, “HOLD IT,” turning around, swiftly returning to her home.
“Are you serious?” Rai said.
“Hey, where’s Lily?” Eiji said, appearing to be at the helm of the horses pulling the carriage.
“Coming,” Rai replied, stubbornly.
Bursting back out the door, Lily, now in her preferred look, got halfway, before pausing, yet again.
“What now?!” Rai shouted.
“Almost forgot,” Lily said, returning to lock her house. Finally ready to go, Lily dashed alongside Rai jumping into the carriage.
“All aboard,” Eiji said.
“Eiji? I thought you were serving?” Lily said.
“Meh, they were severely understaffed and overworked, so now I’ve got a new job as a coachman. You’re my second ride today,” he said proudly.
“Can we save the chit-chat for later, we're on a time crunch here,” Rai said.
“No worry, the greatest coachman you’ve ever known is on it.”
Meanwhile, Plu was still running to catch up to everyone else on the carriage.
“To the port room!” Eiji said, whipping the horse leash, causing the animals to take off.
Plu, lunging just before the horses took off, accidentally became wedged in between the carriage wheel.
Eiji controlled the reigns, and zig-zagged through the kingdom, nearly hitting many people and obliterating small mobile shops. “I’ll pay for that!” Eiji shouted. “And that! That too! Sorry.” Seeing that Celestria has many nature-based structures, Eiji wound up racing the carriage along a wooden bridge high above the ground.
“Eiji, what’s going on,” Lily said, struggling to stick her head out the window, but upon seeing the height, she yelped, dipping her head back into the carriage.
As the carriage raced along, Plu, the lively stuffed animal, found itself in quite the predicament – wedged snugly within the wheel spokes, its plush limbs flailing comically with each rotation.
“Pluuu-uuu-uuu-uuu-uuu-uuu!” Plu squealed.
Eiji glanced over at Plu. “Plu, how did you even manage to get in there?”
But Plu simply replied with another round of “Pluuu-uuu-uuu-uuu-uuu-uuu,” its tiny button eyes blurred from the speed of the carriage.
On the bridge suspended in the trees surrounding Celestria, people blocked the way.
“Hang on!” Eiji shouted, directing the horses to jump off the bridge, land on another bridge, and another one. These bridges were very sturdy and were very wide; easily able to accommodate a carriage, in fact, it sometimes did for transport of larger items. The carriage came crashing with a heavy thud, as they safely returned to the floor, however one wheel began to get loose. Eiji seeing the destination in sight, pushed forward, despite the loose wheel. At last, with a halting screech, the carriage had arrived. Hitting the timer on a stopwatch Eiji said, “Record,” praising himself.
A single wheel carrying Plu rolled off the carriage, and simultaneously, Rai opened the door of the carriage. They both attempted to stand but were barely capable of doing so, instead wobbling in every direction.
Rai’s cheeks puffed out, face turning green, turned away, and barfed on the ground.
Meanwhile, Lily stuck her head out, her hair once again looking like a bird’s nest. “Why do I do this to myself,” she stated.
After porting, they were running through the grand halls of the empire before spotting the supremely large doors in which the emperor normally would be behind.
“Open it!” Rai shouted, flashing his badge.
Lily did the same.
The guards forced flux into the keyholes on each end, and the doors slowly started to creep open.
They were both breathing heavily, trying to compose themselves before addressing the emperor.
“Sorry for making you late,” Lily said.
“Don’t worry about it, I’m late all the time,” he admitted. “You ready?” Rai said, holding out his fist.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Lily responded, bumping it with her own.
Walking down the lengthy throne room, Lily marveled at the beautiful marble all over. Large pillars, line the entire throne room.
“Lily,” Rai whispered, and they both hurriedly made their way to a large group of apprentices awaiting them.
Upon arriving, many eyes caught their own, and not all of them were friendly.
They stood in the two empty spots designated for them.
“You’re late,” General Kur said.
Lily wasn’t sure how to respond.
“It was my fault, sir, I told her the wrong time for our meet-up,” Rai said.
“It's alright,” Emperor Adonis said. “Now that all the apprentices have gathered, I’d like you to introduce yourselves and which hall you’re in. You may be working alongside each other in the near future. How about we start with the two of you,” Adonis said, referring to Lily and Rai.
“O-Okay. Hey everyone, my name is Lily. I’m under the number four elite, Alderai. I’m from a small village southwest of the Kingdom of Keltzer. I’m adopted.”
“He said introduce yourself, not give us your life story,” a voice with a thick accent, resonated behind Lily.
“Fu,” General Kur said.
“Apologies,” Fu said.
Turning around to see who it was, the kid’s face was covered in makeup that resembled a mime, and he had a puppet in his arms.
“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” the puppet spoke.
Disgusted, Lily turned away. “Anyways, that’s about it. I’m here to be an elite,” Lily said. “And I’ve got a promise to my people to take down Redeem and Weep.”
“I heard of this request from the Elder,” Emperor Adonis said. “We will do everything in our power to help the people of Kalumi.”
“Thank you, Emperor Adonis,” Lily said, giving a quick bow.
“Let’s see. My name is Rai. Marco, the number five elites the one I report to. My dream is to be the strongest elite, so you’ll all have to settle for second. Oh, and I enjoy eating a warm baked Lumi Lumi whenever I get the chance.”
Kenji, being up next, said, “My name's Kenji, and I’m the one who beat that dream out of him last exam.” Glaring at Rai, he snickered. “I’m becoming an elite because my family's been in every generation of elites. I was with Temin, the ninth elite, but now it's Aegis..”
“My name's Jack, and I’m under the number eight elite, Knox. I aim to be an elite to encourage those around me through physical fitness!” Jack stated, flexing his arms within his tank top.
“I’m Daichi. I’m in the same hall as Jack. I’m also aiming to train and inspire others in more physical fitness,” he said, pulling up his pants. Daichi looked as if he had never stepped foot in a gym. His stomach growled, causing him to reach into his back pocket for a snack he carried.
“Mochi,” another person who was next said. “Mochi mochi.” It was all he could say.
How strange, Lily thought. The character known as Mochi seemed to wear a spandex outfit that allowed his head to look like that of an alien. He also wore a dotted suit, reflecting the colors green and black.
“I’m Fu, the baddest mother fucker around.” The puppet spoke, instead of the one holding it. “I’m the apprentice of the humble elite, Gael, the number two ranked elite.”
Rai couldn’t believe his ears. Did he say, humble?
“I’m aiming to be an elite for money, glory, and bi-,”
“My name is Duke,” a young male clade in armor resembling Han’s.
“Hey!” Fu rebuked, but Duke ignored him.
Rai whispered to Lily, “That Milu’s older brother.”
Lily glanced over at Duke. He emitted an aura of strength.
“My father, Han, the number six elite chose me. I aim to be an elite to support the empire, until my dying breath.” Duke stated. He was a true soldier, fully committed to the empire.
“Aren’t you a cutie,” Ayame spoke under her breath, glancing at Duke. She wore a pink dress and had dark purple hair.
“My name’s Tamarri,” a Nefarian of Solomon descent said.
“Solomon?” Lily whispered to herself.
Nefarian of the Solomon bloodline have more animalistic characteristics, veering from the human resemblance all the Nefarian of the Kalumi bloodline are known for. Tamarri's furry face looked like a human and a hamster fused.
“I don’t think I want to become an elite, but I enjoy cooking for Tofi, the number twelve elite. As long as I can support her, that’s good enough for me,” Tamarri said, tugging at his chef’s outfit.
“My name is Inari. I’m under the number thirteen elite, Reezo. I’m not sure why I’m here,” she said, glancing at the floor. Her long green hair hung from her shoulders, almost touching her feet.
“I’m Peon, and I’m under the thirteenth as well. I’m half Solomon and half Kalumi, but resemble my mom Solomon's side more,” Peon stated, his voice a dull boring tone. He had horns and what looked to be a fur hood on, but it was his skin. “I did this to get away from a crazy ex.”
“Haruki. Alderai is the elite I’m under. I wish to become an elite to supply a stable living for myself, hopefully retiring in a place out in the forest where the hunt is good.”
“Seppe V. Caspiotto Aligar VIII, present,” another apprentice spoke. His outfit made him out to be a mix of a painter who butlers on the side. “I am to be an elite, to show the world the beauty of my artwork. The elite I report to is, the number eleven elite, Mu the Magician.”
Next in line was Kiku, a short female with a strange oversized bird-shaped hoodie on. She was sleeping and it didn’t look like she would be waking anytime soon.
“I'm Ayame, but I’m sure you already know that. I’m famous after all. I’m under the beautiful powerhouse, Eloise of Thundertyde. I’m aiming to be an elite to become more famous. Like, my follower count would reach all new heights if I did.”
“H-Hey, I’m Chloe,” the girl timidly dwindled her fingers together. “I’m underneath Tanabe, w-wait, I meant, I’m not underneath him, just, I’m his apprentice.” Her face blushed red. “I want to be an elite to be strong like Tanabe and others,” she blurted out quickly, tucking her head in nervously.
“Nice one,” Ayame whispered to her.
“My name's Rina, I’m hall sisters with the amazing Ayame. I’m only here to support her, maybe meet a cute boy or two on the way,” her eyes lingered on Rai.
“Hey everyone, I’m Alan. I don’t have any intention to be an elite. I’m just helping out until my 5-year term is up. After, I’ll see if the number one elite will take me in as his steward or something.”
At last, the final apprentice spoke. “My name is Neptus.”
“Was he on the list?” Lily whispered.
“I don’t think so,” Rai responded.
“I’ve only just joined, after being accepted in the number one elite’s apprenticeship.” Many eyes opened wide. The number one elite had chosen another apprentice?! Rai looked at Alan who shrugged unknowing of another apprentice, but apparently, that was the case. “I’m a runaway slave. If I become an elite, no, if I become the strongest elite, I’ll be able to free my family that I left,” Neptus’s fist shook violently.
When he finished, Emperor Adonis said, “Now that that is done, my future illuminus elites, I wish you the best on your next venture. The next step in your journey won’t be an easy one. The placement exam is a dangerous task, one where death will surely await you at every turn. Are you prepared?” Emperor Adonis said. Everyone nodded in agreement. “One last thing,” Emperor Adonis, sticking his arm out, gestured to the right of him, where a young male walked into view. “My son, Gaius, will be participating in this year's placement exam.”
Dukes couldn’t believe it. The emperor’s son?!
Even General Kurr was confused. “Are you certain that’s a wise idea?”
“He desires to participate in the placement exam,” Adonis said. “Gaius will you introduce yourself.”
“Hm,” staring at the group of apprentices, Gaius said, “Pathetic,” turning to leave.
“Hey! Who are you calling pathetic!” Neptus shouted.
Turning, Gaius said, “You’re the most pathetic of them all.”
“You want to say that to my face,” Neptus said, clenching his fists.
“Spare me your drivel, peasant. I have no interest in entertaining the idle chatter of a lowly slave such as yourself,” he said, disappearing behind a curtain.
“Why you…” Neptus was heated.
Lily giggled. He reminds me of Rai.
Catching Lily’s gaze, Rai muttered, “Not even close…” referring to the resemblance he knew Lily was trying to make.
As the meeting came to a close, Rai, Lily, and Alan walked outside where Eiji was.
“You’re fired!” a man shouted at him, storming away. The carriage was completely thrashed.
“You can’t fire me! Because I quit!” Eiji said, folding his arms. “Oh, hey guys. How’d it go?”
“As well as you’d suppose. We’re to head out immediately to some secluded area. You wouldn’t happen to have another ride, would you?” Rai asked Eiji.
“Not anymore…” Eiji said.
“Why not just ask those guys,” Lily said, pointing at two men washing a carriage.
“I got this,” Eiji said. “Rai, mind if I…”
“Sure,” Rai said, handing out his pouch of money.
“Perfect,” he stated, walking towards the men. “Hey, what’s up guys? Would you mind maybe lending us the carriage for a little while, we’re all apprentices.”
“No can do, this belongs to the pops,” one of the men said. “He’d kill me if I handed it out to some rando’s like yourself.”
“Hey, we're not rando’s. We all won the exam, see,” Eiji said, pulling a newspaper with their face on it.
“Huh, would you look at that,” one of the two men stated. “Still, looking at how you left the other carriage, I’m afraid I’m going to have to deny your request, I just can’t take your word you’d keep it in one piece.”
“Would you take my word for it?” Tanabe asked, appearing beside everyone.
“T-The number ten elite! My kid loves you! Of course, I’d take your word for it,” the man said.
“Tanabe, what’re you doing here?”
“I finished up training and I just wanted to see you guys off.”
“Ahh thanks, Tanabe,” Lily said.
“Um, excuse me,” would you mind taking a picture, my daughter would go nuts if she knew I met you in person.
“Sure,” Tanabe said, embarrassed. He still wasn’t used to the fame that came with being an elite. After, Tanabe, went with the group to the exit.
Extending out the carriage windows, everyone waved goodbye to Tanabe.
“Be careful out there!” Tanabe shouted as they departed.
That night, leaning against the window while dreamily gazing at the auroras, Lily said, “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this view.”
“Yeah, it’s something,” Rai said.
“Agreed,” Eiji stated, from the front of the carriage.
Alan was currently asleep.
“I wish Taka could be here to see it,” Rai said.
“She will be. One day soon. I just know it,” Lily said.
“Yeah!” Eiji said, seconding the statement.
“Yeah,” Rai said, glancing at the sky.
A stream of light darted across the horizon.
“Shooting star!” Eiji said. “Oh, and it's 11:11! Is that like, two wishes, or just a powerful single wish?”
Closing his eyes, Rai began to drift off to sleep. In a few days, they’d be arriving at the site of the placement exam. The last one didn’t go too well, but this time, this time was different.